KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) - People trying to escape the hot weather by taking a plunge from one of the many bridges over Benton County rivers may face a fine.
The Benton County Sheriff's office says it's a criminal misdemeanor to jump from the cable bridge and other bridges or structures that span rivers in the county and can be punished with a fine of $1,000, 90-day jail stay or both.
Deputies say that it's not very common for people to jump off bridges.
They say it's a safety risk too, that the combination of unpredictable river currents, debris that gets stuck near bridges and boat traffic make it dangerous for the jumper and boaters.
